VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE PROGRAM - CLINICAL SERVICES

VOV offers a wide range of services to help people, groups, and communities understand and deal with traumatic events. Our efforts cover the areas of crisis response and intervention, assessments, and longer term clinical care to trauma victims, including groups for people affected by trauma.

Current programs are as follows:

• General Victims of Violence Mental Health Services
• Center for Homicide Bereavement
  
• Victim Advocacy and Support Team
  
  

Clinical care at VOV is guided by an ecological view of psychological trauma, and a "stages by dimensions" understanding of trauma recovery. We understand that people who suffer violence are not alone; they live in a network of relationships and communities which may serve to aid in their healing.

Our "stages by dimensions" model of recovery identifies various dimensions of people's lives that are affected by violence and abuse and in which healing work may need to be focused. It also means that healing occurs in stages, so we focus first on securing and maintaining personal safety, then on dealing with the major effects of violence, and eventually move to forming new, more empowered relationships with others.

Many of our programs rely on grant funding to help communities and community settings afflicted by violence.

VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE - GENERAL SERVICES

People who have been victimized sometimes feel isolated and alone, reluctant to reach out to others. But reaching out is important, and seeking help is part of the healing process.

To help those in need, VOV offers confidential services to victims, families, friends, and witnesses. These services include:

• Crisis Intervention and Support. VOV staff respond within 72 hours and remain available throughout the first weeks and months of recovery.

• Psychotherapy. Our expert staff will evaluate and assess patients and provide ongoing psychotherapy to help them cope with their experiences.

• Group Programs. There are a wide range of psychotherapy groups available for adults dealing with the after effects of trauma.

Call 617-591-6033 to make a referral or schedule an initial appointment with the VOV team.

VOV Brochure

VOV Groups

NEW: 2010-2011 Groups

CENTER FOR HOMICIDE BEREAVEMENT (CHB)

The Center for Homicide Bereavement provides bilingual/bicultural services free of charge to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to murder.

In the life-altering aftermath of homicidal loss, the CHB staff offers crisis counseling and support, ongoing traumatic grief counseling with adults, children and families, advocacy and homicide bereavement support groups.

In the CHB office and in families' homes, the aims of all CHB services are to provide timely, sensitive and confidental care to those experiencing devastating loss, to reduce isolation and foster healing connection with others.

Center for Homicide Bereavement

130 Bishop Allen Drive
Cambridge, MA 02319
617-591-6123

CHB Brochure

VICTIM ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT TEAM (VAST)

If you or someone you love has been affected by violence, hatred or abuse, the Victim Advocacy and Support Team is here to help you rebuild your life

Violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Victims of violence or abuse sometimes feel isolated and alone, reluctant to reach out to others.

You may experience feelings of fear, numbness and shock, helplessness, anger, anxiety, depression and even guilt or self-blame. You may have questions about how to cope with your physical injuries, how to heal from the emotional impact of your experiences, how to file a report with the police, and what the court process would be like for you. Or you may just want someone to talk to - someone who understands.

VAST - Who We Are

We are advocates, experienced in the areas of trauma, victimization, and the criminal justice system. We work directly with victims to make sure that they have access to community resources, medical services and the courts. Our services are always confidential and are provided at no cost.

What We Do

• We provide crisis counseling and support for you and your loved ones
  
• We assist with safety planning for you and your family
  
• We act as a liaison with social service agencies, the courts and police
  
• We make appropriate referrals to health, legal and other community services to ensure that each client gets the best possible care, advice, and support
  
• We assist with filing for Victim Compensation
  
• We offer training and consultation services to the community

This program is supported by The Massachusetts Office for Victims Assistance (MOVA) through the 1984 VOCA grant from OVC, OJP, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

26 Central St., Somerville, MA 02143
617-665-2992

VAST Brochure